Sarcoidosis Patients at Higher Risk of Psychiatric Symptoms, Meta-Analysis Finds
Belgium: Patients living with sarcoidosis appear to be at a markedly higher risk of developing psychiatric symptoms compared to healthy adults, a new systematic review and meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Medicine has revealed.
The study by Andreas Frans and colleagues from the Department of Medical Psychology and Psychiatry, Antwerp University Hospital, Belgium, highlights the need for routine psychiatric screening in sarcoidosis care to improve patient outcomes.
Sarcoidosis, a multisystem inflammatory disorder, has long been recognized for its impact on physical health, but its association with psychiatric symptoms and syndromes (PSS) has remained underexplored. To address this gap, the researchers conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature, analyzing 43 studies and 53 case reports that examined psychiatric manifestations in sarcoidosis patients. The meta-analysis included data from 962 patients and assessed the prevalence and risk of psychiatric symptoms compared to healthy controls.
The study revealed the following findings:
- Fatigue was reported in 54% of sarcoidosis patients.
- Excessive daytime sleepiness affected approximately 50% of patients.
- Depression was observed in 25% of patients.
- Anxiety was reported in 29% of patients.
- Sleep disturbances and insomnia were present in 27% of cases.
- Neurocognitive symptoms were reported in 29% of patients.
- Fatigue and depressive symptoms had the strongest associations with sarcoidosis (OR 20.2 and 4.8, respectively).
- Overall, sarcoidosis patients have a fivefold higher risk of psychiatric symptoms compared to healthy adults.
The study highlights that psychiatric symptoms in sarcoidosis are multifaceted, ranging from mood and anxiety disorders to cognitive impairments and severe manifestations such as psychosis or catatonia, as noted in individual case reports. The interplay between chronic inflammation, the disease itself, and potential side effects of sarcoidosis treatments may contribute to the development of PSS, emphasizing the complex etiopathogenesis.
Given these findings, the authors advocate for the systematic use of standardized psychiatric assessment tools in routine sarcoidosis management. Early identification and intervention for psychiatric symptoms could help mitigate their impact on quality of life and overall disease outcomes. They also call for future research to focus on larger, multicenter studies, interventional trials, and interdisciplinary care models to better understand and treat psychiatric comorbidities in this population.
“This meta-analysis confirms that sarcoidosis is not only a physical health burden but also significantly affects mental health,” the researchers noted. “Integrating psychiatric evaluation into routine clinical care is crucial for improving patient well-being and treatment outcomes.”
"The study reinforces the need for heightened awareness of psychiatric complications in sarcoidosis. Addressing these challenges through early screening, multidisciplinary care, and targeted interventions can help optimize management and enhance the quality of life for patients living with this complex disease," they concluded.
Reference:
Frans, A., Van Hoye, G., Van Meerbeeck, X., & Morrens, M. (2025). Psychiatric symptoms and syndromes in sarcoidosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Medicine, 12, 1634175. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2025.1634175
Next Story